Quote from Alex bobby on February 1, 2025, 7:30 AM

Pakistani Man Faces Trial for Honour Killing of U.S.-Born Daughter in Quetta

A shocking case of so-called honour killing has surfaced in Quetta, Pakistan, where a man is accused of murdering his U.S.-born 15-year-old daughter for allegedly refusing to stop sharing videos on TikTok. The suspect, Anwar ul-Haq, appeared in court on Thursday following his confession to the crime, according to police reports.

The Incident

The tragic event took place on a street in Quetta on Tuesday. Initially, Haq claimed that his daughter had been shot and killed by unidentified gunmen. However, police investigations revealed inconsistencies in his statement, leading to his confession on Wednesday.

“Our investigation so far has found that the family had objections to her dressing, lifestyle, and social gatherings,” said police investigator Zohaib Mohsin. Authorities have confiscated the victim’s locked phone and are exploring all aspects of the case, including the possibility of an honour killing.

Family Background and Motivations

The family had recently returned to Pakistan’s Balochistan province after living in the United States for about 25 years. According to police officer Babar Baloch, the suspect, who holds U.S. citizenship, was particularly troubled by his daughter's continued use of TikTok after their relocation.

“He told police that she began creating 'objectionable' content on TikTok while in the United States and continued to share videos even after returning to Pakistan,” Baloch stated. In addition to Haq, authorities have arrested his brother-in-law in connection with the crime.

Legal Proceedings and International Concerns

Haq has been formally charged with murder. However, police have not yet provided official proof of his U.S. citizenship beyond his own testimony. It remains unclear whether the U.S. Embassy has been informed of the case. The family has declined to comment on the matter.

TikTok and Cultural Sensitivities in Pakistan

With over 54 million users in Pakistan, TikTok remains a highly popular social media platform, yet it has been repeatedly blocked by the government over content moderation concerns. Authorities in Islamabad frequently cite the need to curb “obscene content” and have compelled the platform to remove certain materials deemed inappropriate.

This tragic incident highlights the deep-rooted cultural and social norms in Pakistan, where traditional values often clash with modern digital influences. The conflict over social media use, particularly by young women, has become a growing issue in conservative societies.

The Honour Killing Crisis in Pakistan

Pakistan has long grappled with the issue of honour killings, with over 1,000 women reportedly murdered each year by family members or community figures who perceive their actions as bringing shame. Reasons for these killings vary, ranging from eloping, posting content on social media, or interacting with men outside the family.

Despite legal reforms aimed at punishing perpetrators of honour killings, enforcement remains weak, and cultural attitudes continue to enable such crimes.

Global and Domestic Reactions

Human rights activists have condemned the killing, calling for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and girls from gender-based violence. Many have urged the Pakistani government to take a stronger stance against honour killings and social media restrictions that disproportionately affect women.

International observers are also closely watching how the case unfolds, given the suspect’s alleged U.S. citizenship. If confirmed, it could raise diplomatic concerns between Washington and Islamabad.

Conclusion

The murder of a young girl over her social media presence is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by women in conservative societies. While Pakistan has taken steps to address gender-based violence, cases like this highlight the urgent need for more robust legal protections and cultural shifts that empower women to exercise their rights without fear of retribution.

As the case progresses in court, it remains to be seen whether justice will be served and what implications it may have on broader discussions regarding honour killings and digital freedoms in Pakistan.